Washington: The US military confirmed it struck Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz in what it said was an act of self-defence following Iranian aggression against American ships.
US Central Command, which controls operations in the Middle East, said Iran had launched multiple missiles, drones and small boats as three US guided-missile destroyers transited the strait late on Thursday (Iran time).
The US intercepted these “unprovoked Iranian attacks”, which did not hit their targets, and responded by striking the Iranian military facilities responsible, CENTCOM said in a statement.
“CENTCOM does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces,” it said.
Earlier, Iranian state media said the country’s armed forces exchanged fire with “the enemy” on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, which is also the largest island in the Persian Gulf.
Semi-official Iranian news agencies said explosions were heard in southern Iran near the port of Bandar Abbas.
The development comes as both sides discuss a potential memorandum of understanding to end the war and begin a 30-day negotiating period on the details of a potential agreement.
Iran was yet to formally respond to a one-page, 14-point framework reportedly worked on by US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
The current ceasefire has been in place since April 7. However, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely unpassable due to safety concerns over Iranian gunfire, mines and tolls.
The US is also continuing a naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman targeting any ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, aimed at choking the country’s economic lifelines.
The White House referred to CENTCOM’s statement when contacted for comment.
More to come
Michael Koziol is the North America correspondent for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. He is a former Sydney editor, Sun-Herald deputy editor and a federal political reporter in Canberra.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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